Would You Use Upright or Electric for Big Band?

[jgbass]

I am going to rehearse with a big band. Its not that large, about 10 pieces. We are planning to do a demo and play casinos. The leader doesn't care which bass I use and I see advantages and disadvantages to each. I don't want to drag two basses to each rehearsal, but might bring an electric to a gig if we throw in some funky things on the set list if I use primarily upright. The sound would better cut through on electric but I would miss upright on some ballad types of pieces. I seem to see electric more often on big band gigs around here. Any opinions out there? For a quartet or something similar, I would definitely use upright, but not sure about this situation. What would you play? Thanks.

[justBrian]

I play in a 13 piece big band and use my URB. It's got a K&K BassMax p'up mounted on the G side, and I run it through an old SWR Electric Blue head and Avatar CB112. It just feels right to me-- I've always had a hard time dancing with my electric.

[anonymous0726]

I'd be wont to use a Howitzer, but beyond that I'd make the call based on a few principles:

Good band or not?
Pays well or not?
Really freakin loud, or what?
Really tight spaces (stages)?
Do I have to wear a tux? A matching jacket?
What kind of stuff are they playing?

and -- for New Yorkers

Do I get picked up for the gig, or do I have to take the train?

[arto alho]

Originally Posted by jgbass

The leader doesn't care which bass I use... What would you play?

Buzuki.

[jgbass]

Originally Posted by Ray Parker

Good band or not?

Pays well or not?
Really freakin loud, or what?
Really tight spaces (stages)?
Do I have to wear a tux? A matching jacket?
What kind of stuff are they playing?

and -- for New Yorkers

Do I get picked up for the gig, or do I have to take the train?

Ray, As I was riding the subways in NYC last year, I really had a lot of time to ponder what it would be like to take a bass and equipment on a subway. Cannot imagine what that would be like.

Good questions, though, and I am going to find out this weekend. At least, being female, I'm just not too worried about having to wear a tux.

Thanks, guys, for your responses.

[anonymous0726]

Originally Posted by jgbass

...Cannot imagine what that would be like.

Character-building.

[jgbass]

Originally Posted by Ray Parker

Character-building.

You are correct about that! Having grown up outside of NYC, then living in CA, and being back in NYC area for awhile last winter in zero degree weather, can only have respect for what New Yorkers have to go through just to get where they are going on a cold winter day, or any day, much less when gigging.

[5stringDNA]

The DB has always seen like a more appropriate instrument for swing and big band to me, unless tehre is really some eccentric stuff going on. I think the looks adn sound fit better with the atmosphere. I woudl love to get into a big swing group someday.

It hass been terribly cold here in Denver several times this winter, and I am rather glad I don't have to try and take 'cannon on the RTD, especially with some of those crazy drunks.